About this Event
Big Brooklyn
Bridging jazz, klezmer, rock, and groove, Big Brooklyn brings together adventurous musicianship, expressive melodies, and a sound that refuses to stay inside one genre.
The five-piece group blends the energy and improvisation of jazz with the emotional depth of klezmer, alongside elements of rock, blues, funk, and groove. The result is music that can move from intricate and atmospheric to powerful and driving, while remaining rooted in strong melodies and dynamic live performance.
Big Brooklyn was founded by Willie and Melody Dornfeld, two longtime musicians who wanted to create music without traditional stylistic boundaries. Their goal was simple: bring together the different musical worlds that influenced them and build something sincere, passionate, and distinctly their own.
Melody Dornfeld began her musical career through classical clarinet studies before expanding into jazz improvisation and eventually discovering a deep connection with klezmer music. Her studies have included work with internationally recognized musicians including Andrew Marriner and David Krakauer, helping shape the expressive and technically diverse approach she brings to Big Brooklyn.
Branford, Connecticut native Willie Dornfeld grew up immersed in rock, blues, funk, and jazz before earning his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Performance from the University of Denver. His continued work as a performer and composer became one of the foundations for the band's genre-spanning sound.
Big Brooklyn is rounded out by an accomplished group of musicians, including saxophonist Luke Soasey, guitarist Aaron Summerfield, and bassist Jo Asker, each bringing extensive experience across jazz, classical, rock, and improvisational music.
The band's original music has received recognition from both the UK Songwriting Contest and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Multiple compositions from their album Everyone Everywhere earned semifinalist recognition in the 2022 UK Songwriting Contest, while music from their debut album Purpose was recognized as a jazz finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
The name Big Brooklyn comes from a cliff at an inactive granite quarry in Branford, Connecticut, where Willie and his friends spent countless summer days swimming while growing up.
Described as “serious talent in an eclectic and unique package,” Big Brooklyn delivers a live experience built around musicianship, improvisation, emotion, and a willingness to take the music somewhere unexpected.
More information:
Event venue & nearby stays
Small Batch Cellars, 37 Nettleton Avenue, North Haven, United States
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